Bicycle Touring Guide
In the following guide, Axiom proposes you a unique travel experience: bicycle touring. Why not combine the thrill of going for an adventure to the pleasure of riding your bicycle? Get off the beaten path! Discover and rediscovers entire regions; enjoy landscapes like never before; challenge yourself; experience another culture and gather unforgettable memories!
You will find here all the necessary information to plan and concretize your next trip as a bicycle traveler. Getting into bike touring is simple and Axiom can help you reach your dream destination.
Note that you are welcome to share with us your own advices, comments and experiences!
1. Bicycle touring in groups or solo?
In a Group: Touring with others means thinking and acting as a group.
You will share:
- Conversations
- Equipment - It often means carrying less weight per person.
- Knowledge - Count on assistance in the eventuality of a technical problem!
- Time - Wait for each other; set meeting points when cruising speeds differ from one rider to another.
- Energy - Draft each other when riding with a head wind, simply to conserve energy!
Bear in mind that bicycle touring as a group involves a great deal of coordination among people, hence requires flexibility from the individuals.
Solo: If you go bicycle touring on your own, your schedule is likely to be more flexible since you do not have to coordinate your activities with anyone else; you have only yourself to take care of. Even if you travel alone, you will always meet people (other cyclists, locals, campers, etc). Thus, you will rarely be completely alone.
2. Do I prefer to organize everything and be self-sufficient or to join a fully supported and organized bike tour?
Supported: For your first cycling trip, we recommend a supported bike tour. Numerous cycling clubs and bicycle touring companies plan expeditions throughout the world. You will benefit from the advantages of being in a group without having to deal with the management: ride planning, accommodations, food, and transportation will all be taken care of for you. Moreover, while familiarizing yourself with bicycle touring, such experience will help you find out how much you like it!
Self-supported: Do you prefer to organize your own bike tour? Before you sell all your belongings and leave for a world tour, begin with a few shorter self-supported trips.
Our main advice: start easy:
Pack for a picnic, find a loop that will allow you to leave from home and come back by the end of the day. Making your home the departure and arrival point will make your first trip easier; since you are familiar with your region, you know what your resources are if something unexpected happens
Opt for an overnight stay at a local B & B
When you feel ready to undertake a bigger bicycle tour, aim for an excursion during the weekend (a long weekend is even better). Map out a route that offers alternative routes so you can cut short or ride more one day. Be flexible and have realistic goals. This trip should be an occasion to see how comfortable you are on your bike and test your equipment as well as yourself.
3. What should I aim for in terms of distance to cover (daily & overall)?
While bicycle touring, aim for distances you feel capable of covering and remain flexible.
- On short bike tours, monitor how many kilometers you travel in one hour depending on the type of terrain you are riding on. Gradually you will learn how to pace yourself and how to set achievable goals.
- The first day(s) of your tour should be shorter than your planned daily average.
- Do not be afraid of long distances. The scenery will always be more enjoyable on your bicycle than in a car (and much more rewarding)!
- Mentally breakdown longer days into stages: “little by little, the bird builds its nest”.
- Whenever planning a route from a map, bear in mind the elevation. The road will never be as flat as your map.
- Throughout your trip, envisage shorter days. They will allow you to explore more.
- Do not forget to include rest days and free time in your planning. Those will keep your body and your mind refreshed!
- If the weather is too bad (or dangerous) for you to hit the road one day, modify your plans and take a day off.
- Remember to do it your way, there will days where all the elements are against you. Sometimes you will have to take a different road: such days often make the best memories…
- Last advice: do not only focus on your destination, enjoy the journey!
4. How long do I want to tour for?
Depending on how much time you have and how much time you would like to spend riding, your bicycle touring destination will vary.
Are you going for two weeks in Europe or a month in South America? Do you want to go camping for a weekend or you are biking across Asia for half a year? Likely, the longer and the farther the tour is, the more comprehensive your preparation will be.
In the end, it all comes down to you. Perhaps your first two-week trip makes you want to go bicycle touring for a month and bring your family along?
5. What kind of roads do I prefer to ride on?
If you are riding off-road your trip will be, to a great extent, different than if you would be riding on the road.
Bicycle touring off-road:
- Safety first:
- Never go bicycle touring off-road alone. As with all backcountry expeditions, it is imperative that you travel with a partner.
- Always leave details of your route, timing and check points to ensure others are aware if a problem arises.
- Carry a communication device such as a satellite phone to remain in touch with “civilization”
- You will probably need to be more self-sufficient off-road since occasions to stop for food or assistance will be fewer. Thus, you may need to carry more gear (more food and a water filter for instance).
- On your map, locate water supply point.
- Having quality maps of the trails you will be riding is critical.
- If you are traveling in a government run park, be sure you obtain all necessary access permits before starting your trip.
- Plan a route avoiding highways (many freeways are closed to bicycle traffic or simply dangerous).
- Local bike shops may be able to offer route advice or interesting hot spots.
- Look for bicycle designated routes available from state or provincial departments.
- Look for scenic roads.
- Mind the prevailing winds: from West to East in North America and North to South on the Pacific Coast.
- Identify tourist information centers, main attractions, places to make pit stop and bike shops along the way. Such locations offer a great rest stop and contain valuable local information!
6. What kind of accommodations would I be the most comfortable with?
Depending what kind of accommodation you prefer, you will have to carry different equipment.
Obviously, if you are camping you will carry a tent but if you stop at hostels you may simply carry a sleeping bag.
Moreover, the type of lodging you choose will lead you to different routes. Suppose that you decide to stay at a hotel, you may have to ride along major roads as opposed to a B & B which could be farther out of town.
- If you are bicycle touring during the high season, book in advance.
- Check for local event and festivals along your route. They offer an interesting detour but also affect accommodation availability.
- When placing your reservation, ask if there are facilities for you to store your bike!
- Ask family, friends and relatives to provide you shelter along the way.
- Subscribe to a “coach surfing” organization to have a place to stay at -almost everywhere in the world!
- Look for state and provincial campgrounds that offer discounted campsites for hikers/bikers.
- Every kind of accommodations has something different to offer, one advice remains: be flexible. Mixing different types of lodging could be the best option.
7. Will I be preparing my own meals or not?
If you decide to bring cooking necessities you may gain on flexibility (eat wherever you want, whenever you want) but you will equally loose room for other equipment and increase the weight you have to carry.
- Most of the time, you will stop to get food as you go.
- Just in case, always pack enough food for one day
- Consider eating at restaurants if you want to travel light.
- Always carry snacks, including sweet treats. They make good rewards at the top of hills and provide the boost you may need when exhausted.
- Keeping packed food away from hungry critters camping can be a challenge.
- Hydration: Identify water supply points along the road and ensure you will be carrying enough water while riding. You could take 2 or 3 bottles with you or opt for a hydration pack.
Once again, flexibility remains key. Eating at restaurants, experiencing local food or cooking will all be enjoyable at some point of your bike tour.
8. Do I have the right equipment?
What you should keep in mind when it comes to your equipment is to make sure that you know how to use what you take on tour with you and test everything.
Bike:
To go bike touring, you simply need a comfortable bicycle that is well-maintained.
Before you go:
- Be sure to ride frequently in advance and mimic your trip condition. Being fit will allow for a more enjoyable journey.
- Familiarize yourself with your bike by using it.
- Visit your preferred bicycle retailer for a bike tune-up. Be sure to check wheel tension, brake pads and tire wear. Under load, these factors will greatly affect the quality of your ride.
- Ensure that your riding position suits you. Go to your local shop for positioning. Consider replacing parts such as seat, stem and handlebars to increase comfort and efficiency.
- The look of the bike does not matter as you may not want to attract too much attention to it (plus you will put rack & bags on it).
Racks:
- Having the proper racks, bags will help you get the most out of your trip.
- Axiom has a rack for every ride.
- Whether you have disc brakes, a butterfly handlebar, a full suspension bike or a road bike, Axiom has what you need. Our racks can carry from 15 up to 150 kg but still only weight between 380 and 1020 grams. Our Streamliner racks are expressly designed to move weight inboard for more stability when loaded.
Bags:
Once you have the right racks, you need bags to carry your belongings. When selecting you bags bear in mind:
- The load you will carry (volume and weight)
- The type of weather you will be riding in: lightweight fabric bags for dry conditions or heavier but waterproof bags for wet conditions.
- Handle bar bags offer convenient storage for small items needed throughout the day. A Map window allows for on the go navigation while keeping your maps clean and dry.
- If you plan for frequent stops on your trip, consider a motion detector lock so you can leave your bags unattended.
Packing:
Make sure you distribute the weight you carry evenly on both sides of your bike.
- Pack the heaviest items as low as possible to keep center of gravity low.
- Remember to keep heavy items to the rear of the bike as a weighted front wheel can interfere with steering.
- When packing, put on the top of your bags what you expect to use during the day.
Helmet:
Before you start thinking about what to pack for your bike trip, acquire a good helmet. A helmet can save your life in the case of a fall or collision.
A good helmet offers ventilation and, most importantly, fits your head. It has to be tight enough so it stays in place without being buckled yet is still is comfortable. The buckle should attach so that two fingers can be slid between the strap and your neck. On both sides of your head, the straps should meet just below the lobe of your ear.
Gloves:
Gloves will not only protect your hands if you fall but they will also provide you additional comfort.
Moreover, when riding in the cold, they will keep your hands warm. When riding in the sun, they will prevent your hands from getting sunburned.
Clothing:
- Choose light clothes that dry fast.
- Dress in layers to adapt with changing weather conditions.
- Make sure your clothes are adapted to the type of weather you will be riding in.
- Have clothes with reflective material for night riding.
- Have apparel that will keep you comfortable if it rains.
- Remember that you can always do laundry. At the end of every day, wash what you have been wearing and let it dry throughout the night.
Cycle computer or a GPS system: Both navigating instrument will ensure you keep track of your mileage.
Lights and Reflectors: For safety, in case you get caught after dusk, have reflectors and lights on your bicycle. It is dangerous to ride if not well prepared.
Lock: Your bike is key to your journey, securing it with a lock will keep your mind free of concerns when you are away from it. Have a light but resistant lock with you.
Tools: Strictly carry what you can handle: Before your trip, learn how to use what you are taking with you.
Take care of your bicycle, your equipment and yourself.
- For your Bicycle: Tubes, tire levers, mini-pump, patch kit, multi-tool, chain pins, brake & gear cables are some items you want to have at hand.
- For your Equipment: A flashlight and some duck tape are two key items to take with you. Also carry things such as fabric patches: if something breaks down you will enjoy being able to fix it on the go!
- For Yourself: A basic First aid kit containing various bandages, disinfectant, tweezers, gloves, and painkillers will do.
- Have communication devices such as a cell phone or walkie-talkies when in group.
9. What kind of training will prepare me the best for my tour?
Organizing your tour includes a minimum of physical, mental and technical preparation.
Physical preparation:
Your physical preparation is an excellent way of knowing your limits in order to plan a trip that will suits your capacities.
Riding:
- To get your body ready for touring you firstly want to familiarize yourself with your bicycle: ride it and be comfortable on it.
- Progressively increase the lengths of your rides.
- Gradually, add touring gear to your bike.
- Think about commuting to work for a regular work out on the bike.
Improve your flexibility:
Pick the habit of stretching after your bike rides.
Improve your strength:
Go to the gym or simply add core strengthening exercises to your stretching routine.
Fitness balls offer an inexpensive and effective way to gain core strength and improve balance.
Take care of yourself:
- Visit your doctor for a complete examination.
- Get all inoculations recommended for your destination.
- Eat well.
- Rest well.
Mental preparation:
It is worthy to be mentally prepared for the days on the road.
Diminish anxiety before leaving:
- Learn about your destination and touring in general. That will reduce the level of stress while answering questions you may have.
- -Accept that you cannot know and control everything.
- -Find a good bicycle retailer that will give you tips and help you assess your needs.
- Ask people experienced in bike touring for advices.
- Do not only rely on the Internet as your only resource.
- Think about strategies for the tougher days so you know how to turn them into great memories: bring music, keep a journal, have a book to read, tie a funny mascot onto your bike, etc. When the elements seem to be all against you, you will know what to do in order to keep going. Bear in mind that, sometimes, the worst case scenarios make the best stories to tell!
Technical preparation:
- Learn how to repair your bike. Ask around or take lessons.
- Consider taking a First Aid course.
- Know your equipment: know what you have and what it can be used for.
- Test everything you bring before you leave.
10. Do I have all the travelling documents/articles necessary?
Emergency contact: Leave a photocopy of ALL your travel documents at home to someone who will be your emergency contact. Keep in regular contact with this person so your progress can be tracked in case of emergency.
Geographic Maps:
- Get topographic maps: the most direct road on the map may not be the fastest on the bike.
- If you need many maps, you could ask relatives to send them to poste restante addresses for you to pick as you go.
- In some regions, finding a map can be arduous. Visit the local libraries, information centers and even ask locals to obtain them.
- If you cannot get a map in English, acquire one in the local language and ask the inhabitants to decipher it for you.
- When selecting a route on the map, always identify alternatives.
- Look for scenic roads.
- Guidebooks are not necessary. Photocopy the pages containing potentially helpful information (about great cities for instance).
- Satellite and topographic maps are available online. These resources can be of great benefit in deicing a route.
Passport: Make sure your passport if valid for at least 6 months or for the entire length of your trip. Make sure you know the contact information of your embassy.
Visas: Know what is required to visit a certain region, how and where to obtain those documents.
Credit Card: Verify that your credit card will not expire during your trip. Inform your credit card company of your destination and ask them if there will be any fees for foreign use and cash withdrawals. You may want to add a PIN number to your credit card for improved safety and cash withdrawals. Finally, know how to contact your credit card company. This may vary depending on an international location.
Debit Card: Verify if you will be able to use your debit card where you are going and ask if you will be charged additional fees. Ensure your card will not expire during your trip.
Travel cheques: Simply ensure that they will be accepted where you are going as they are being outdated by credit cards.
Cash: If you will not be able to use other forms of money, make sure you carry enough cash with you. If banks and ATMs are not available where you will be, obtain the currency before you get there or verify where and how to can get money.
Insurance: Purchase travel insurance and ensured that you are insured for the complete length of your trip. Know the procedure to follow in case you need to utilize your insurance coverage. Know the contact details of your insurance company.
11. How will I get there?
Taking the plane:
Be ready to disburse extra dollars to get your bicycle on the plane. Per way, some companies will charge you $50, others $150.
Airlines have various policies when it comes to bicycles so make sure you know what will be asked from you.
Packing options:
In a cardboard bicycle box:
- Ask your local bike shop for one that fits your bike.
- In case your box rips open in the transport, you must attach altogether everything you put into the box.
- Once at destination, you can dispose of the box only if you know you can get another when you come back. Otherwise, find a place to store it while touring.
- *If your departing and ending points are not the same, a cardboard box will be the packing option to privilege because it is cheap and easy acquired and disposed of.
In a wheeled rigid plastic box.
- Purchased or rent one (note that all the necessary padding is included).
- Find a place to store your box while touring.
In a bike specific travel bag:
- Purchase or rent one.
- Find a place to store your bag while touring.
Packing your bike:
- First thing first, take pictures of your equipment. Those will serve as proof if anything happens in the transport.
- If you do not know how to pack your bike, ask for assistance from someone who has done it before or visit your local bike shop for help.
- To dismantle your bike, take the pedals off, then the front wheel. Remove the quick-releases and dismantle either the stem or the handlebar.
- Remove your seatpost and mark the height with a piece of tape.
- Put all parts together and, ideally, attach them to the bike frame.
- Ensure that your derailleurs are protected. It could be beneficial to remove your rear derailleur.
- It is recommended to deflate tires and suspensions. Ensure that you have the required pumps to inflate them back and record previous pressures to aid in reinflation.
- Depending what type of packaging you choose, you are likely to need foam, (or any protective material), zip-ties and tape.
- Put your biking shoes, helmet and other cycling gear in the box.
- If there is enough room in your box, place your panniers in it. If not, put them into a plastic bag and check them in at the airport.
- Use bubble wrap, foam or other packaging material to protect your bicycle.
- Once you get to your final destination, unpack everything and verify that your equipment hasn’t been damaged.
- Test ride your bicycle before you start riding.
Taking the bus: Most bus companies will let you take your bicycle on the bus, sometimes for a minimal fee.
Contact the charter to find out if your bike needs to be packed; bike specific racks are available; bicycles allowed onboard are limited to certain number (you may have to reserve a place for yours or get to the bus station earlier to ensure it gets on).
Taking the train: When booking, mention you are traveling with a bike; you could then be assigned a bike specific location on the train. Extra fees may apply.
Taking the ferry: Most ferries welcome bicycles on board. Make sure yours will be welcomed too.
Simply by reading this guide, you are getting closer to your touring goal. Now, it is up to you to choose a destination and get ready to roll! The last word: Remember that every person is unique, so is every tour. In the end, it’s your trip. Make it exceptional, do it your way. For more information, tips and advices, consult friends, your local bicycle shop and our touring links section.
Thanks for having us riding with you!
Axiom, Making each ride even better.
Resources
Bicycle Touring 101
Covers bike touring in depth.
Ken Kifer’s Bike Pages
In-depth touring information.
Gonecycling.com
Cycling Safety & Education, Commuting & Touring.
Travel with a bicycle
Experiences of cyclists taking their bikes on the plane, the train, the bus, or the ferry. Non-commercial website.
Couch Surfing
Worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.
Bike Tour Reviews
Reviews of European bike touring companies.
Adventure Cycling
American association for bicycle travellers.
CTC - the UK’s national cyclists’ organization
The oldest cycling association. UK based.
Wheretocycle.com
A user community for sharing bicycle touring information.